AUSANGATE PERU, Peruvian Tour Operator
"Specialized on Ausangate Treks "

An amazing and less-known trek surrounding the snow-capped Sacred Mountain (“Apu”) of Ausangate (6.372m/20900ft) that takes you over mountain passes, awesome mountain scenery, remote Andean villages, hot springs and turquoise lakes. This is an unforgettable hike recommended for lovers of mountain trekking searching for an intense experience in remote areas and wild nature. 

Ausangate (or Auzangate) is recommended only for confident, self-sufficient hikers experienced at high altitude. If you tolerate cold & altitude symptoms, the trails themselves are little trouble. Some route finding is necessary. Trekking guidebook essential.

WHY WE LIKE THIS HIKE

• PERU, all things considered, offers the best alpine hiking in the world
• circle the sacred Ausangate massif (6372m, 20,905ft)
• fantastic glacier views
• remote, few trekkers, few people!
• 4 high passes between 4757m - 5165m!
• normally gorgeous sunny weather
• thousands of alpacas
• hotsprings at the start & finish of the trek
• it is very inexpensive
• travel Peru for as little as US$20 / day
• unique Qoyllur Rit'i festival held nearby in May-June

CONSIDERATIONS

• altitude sickness is a big risk
• evacuation is difficult
• no rescue service is available. You are on your own.
• No Park officers. No campsites. No toilets.
• acclimatization in Cuzco 3326m (10,912ft) is essential
• 13-hour long nights in the tent
• temperatures can fall well below freezing at night
• be prepared for snow
• storm could pin you in your tent
• some reports of local people stealing items left outside tents at night
• long, bumpy bus ride to & from trailhead

Ausangate Trek Preparation

• Prepare yourself for the altitude well by spending at least several days in a high place (eg. Cusco, Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca) before departing. (3 to 4 days is ideal).
• Fitness and acclimatization to altitude are completely different! You can be very fit but still suffer from the altitude. Also, you may have been at altitude before and not suffered effects but then feel it the next time. We really recommend acclimatizing - even to get your lungs used to breathing the thinner air! (For more specific information on altitude sickness please see below)
• Fitness. It depends how fit you are. If you are of moderate fitness then you should have no problem doing our treks - just take it easy. If you are not particularly fit, then it might help to do some walking up hills prior to leaving home.
• Go at your own pace. It's not a race. Most of our tours have adequate time for you to take it easy along the trail. We also find it is more enjoyable to stop and rest frequently, admiring the landscapes than to arrive in camp early and sit in your tent!
• Everyone has their own style, but try going up hill taking slow, even steps.
• Make sure your trekking shoes/boots are well worn in. (Two weeks frequent wear!) Commonsense really, but there is nothing worse than hiking with ill-fitting or rubbing shoes. Makes every step agony!
• Take second skin and your own medical kit. Our own medical kit is well stocked but it doesn't include "second skin" and maybe not your preferred type of blister medicine!
• Extra socks! They are light and easy to carry and can warm your toes at night as well as help out in the case of ill-fitting shoes
• Walking sticks. This is of personal preference. Some people like a walking stick and others don't. They help with balance going down hill and resting walking up hill. Colourful sticks are easily bought in Ollantaytambo. (Please note, they can not be taken into the citadel of Machu Picchu).
• Lollies/ sweets and snacks. In addition to what your guide brings, we would recommend having some boiled sweets to suck on as you climb up steep passes. (eg. Barley sugar). It seems to give you energy and take your mind off it!
• Consider chewing coca. Again, personal preference! Mingle with the locals and try an age old Andean tradition that has somewhat been despoiled by its association with cocaine. It can give you that little boost to get over the pass but is an acquired taste.
• Sunglasses. We generally recommend that you take them! But especially on trips where there is plenty of snow (Crossing the Cordillera Vilcabamba & Ausangate) it's a necessity given the risks of snow blindness!
• Be responsible Take the time to check out the Inka Porter Project, and particularly Guidelines for independent trekking in Peru This page also provides a list of questions to ask your agency when booking from outside Peru, with a focus on porter welfare.

We are a full-service travel agency located in Cusco - Peru. Our team is comprised of both local and foreign young professionals who are eager to plan your ideal travel experience. We take customer service seriously and are proud to be the ONLY agency to offer a Service Guarantee.

Ausangate Peru, Peruvian Tour Operator

Phone: 0051 84 273693   Celular Phone: (51) (84) 984 567085
E-mail: info@ausangateperu.com / ausangateperu@gmail.com
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